STAYWELL THIS WINTER

Winter conditions can be seriously bad for ourhealth, especially for people aged 65 or older, andpeople with long-term conditions such as COPD,bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heartor kidney disease.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased bloodpressure, heart attacks and strokes.

The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and highwinds can all aggravate any existing healthproblems and make us more vulnerable torespiratory winter illnesses. But there are lots ofthings you can do to stay well this winter

FEELING UNWELL? - DON'T WAIT - GET ADVICE FROM YOUR NEAREST PHARMACY

At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s justa cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist,before it gets more serious. Act quickly.The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist thebetter. Pharmacists are fully qualified to adviseyou on the best course of action.This can be the best and quickest way to helpyou recover and get back to normal.

If you can’t get to a pharmacist yourself,ask someone to go for you or call your localpharmacy.www.nhs.uk/staywell

Ask your pharmacist what medicines should bein your cabinet to help get you and your familythrough the winter season.Many over-the-counter medicines (includingparacetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relievesymptoms of common winter ailments, such ascolds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or painful middleear infection (earache).So talk to your pharmacist for advice on gettingthe relief you need.To manage winter illness symptoms at home:• Rest• Drink plenty of fluids• Have at least one hot meal a dayto keep your energy levels up• Use over-the-counter medicationsto help give relief.

You can also order your repeatprescriptions online. To sign upto GP online services ask at yourpractice or to find out morevisit nhs.uk/GPonlineservicesAnd, if you’ve been prescribedantibiotics or any othermedication, make sure youtake them as directed.